Common Course-Numbering Systems. A Report to the Legislature in Response to Senate Bill 851 (1983). Commission Report No. 84-34.

California State Postsecondary Education Commission, Sacramento.

Information on a California senate bill that would establish a common course-numbering system is presented, along with the recommendations of the California Postsecondary Education Commission. After reviewing common course numbering in other states, information is provided on the intersegmental system currently operating in California: the California Articulation Number (CAN) system. CAN is a cross-reference system that identifies transferable lower-division, introductory, and preparatory courses commonly taught at two- and four-year California campuses. The statutory specifications for a common course-numbering system are designed to promote the transfer of community college students to four-year institutions and to identify courses with similar educational objectives related to student competencies. The Commission concludes that: (1) a course numbering system would help students to plan studies and to evaluate transfer choices; (2) a uniform course-numbering system like Florida's is unnecessary in California; (3) course-equivalency guides and matrices of equivalent courses in particular programs are of limited value in California; and (4) a generic numbering system including a common course prefix and number which retains schools' own course numbers/titles, would be suitable. Steps to further implement the CAN system are recommended. (SW)